Stickers, Triangles and Breathalysers - the kit you need when driving abroad this summer

For many,  the late August bank holiday will be a last chance to catch some summer sun and go away before the kids go back to school. The weak pound and increase in the price of foreign holidays following Brexit will put some off, but many determined Brits will still head abroad for their annual holiday and will take their own car along for the ride.

With an estimated 2 million cars heading to France this year and a further 500,000 travelling to Germany, our European neighbours will still see a fair few GB car stickers this summer. But did you know that it is a legal requirement to display this sticker when taking your car anywhere in the European Union?

If you are planning to take your car into Europe this summer, there are certain compulsory items you need to make sure you carry in the vehicle. We’ve previously revealed how many motorists do not carry out basic checks to their vehicle such as checking tyre pressure and coolant levels before embarking on a long journey. But it’s equally as important to make sure you are carrying the right kit when travelling abroad if you want to avoid getting into hot water with the local authorities.

For example, did you know:

• In France you must carry a breathalyser kit in your vehicle (although French authorities cannot currently impose a fine). Further to this, the drink-driving limit is lower in France than in the UK so it’s recommended that you do not drink at all.
• Warning triangles must be carried in many European countries in case a breakdown occurs. However, in Switzerland, the warning triangle must be kept within easy reach of the driver's seat and not in the boot?
• In Spain you must carry two warning triangles. This is also true in Croatia but only if towing a trailer.
• In Belgium you must carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle.
• In Austria you must ensure there is a first aid kit in the vehicle.
• Since most of Europe drives on the right, you will need to install headlamp beam converters so that you do not dazzle oncoming traffic. Failure to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine.
• If your number plate features the Euro symbol and Great Britain (GB) national identifier, you don’t need to display a separate GB sticker.

These are just some of the rules and regulations that can be easily overlooked by motorists when travelling abroad, but for a full list of what you’ll need when driving in some of the most visited countries in Europe, have a look at our handy infographic: